Andy Robertson has opened up on his Liverpool future amid growing speculation linking him with a return to Celtic. The experienced left-back, who has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, has been tipped as a possible recruit for Brendan Rodgers as the Irishman looks to reshape his backline this summer.
With Greg Taylor reportedly on the verge of leaving on a free transfer and Kieran Tierney already signed up on a pre-contract, Robertson’s name has re-entered the conversation around potential incomings at Celtic Park.
Soccer Football – International Friendly – Netherlands v Scotland – Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands – March 22, 2024 Netherlands’ Jeremie Frimpong in action with Scotland’s Andy Robertson REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
The 31-year-old began his youth career at the club before being released, eventually making his way to the Premier League via spells at Queen’s Park, Dundee United and Hull City.
The timing of Taylor’s expected exit and Tierney’s impending return has opened a clear gap in Celtic’s defence. That gap, combined with Robertson’s contract situation and deep personal ties to the club, has added fuel to the speculation, though nothing concrete has been confirmed from either side.
While Robertson was careful not to commit to anything beyond his current Liverpool deal, his comments will be interpreted by many as a man leaving the door slightly for what could be a sensational homecoming to Scottish football.
He said: (BBC Sport), “I’ve had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team, which I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’m not getting any younger, I can’t change my age, but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give and that’s what I focus on. I focus on myself – you can’t focus on other people or who you’re competing with.
“I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute. I can’t tell you how I’ll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent.
“I’ve been fit for every game, I’ve not missed a training session and that’s not a sign of someone who is slowing down.
“I’ve got a year left at Liverpool, I’m looking forward to a switch off, I’m looking forward to a holiday and then I’ll look forward to pre-season. What the future holds after that? I’ve not given it too much thought.”
Rodgers and the Celtic board are preparing for what looks set to be a summer of change, particularly in defence. With Taylor’s exit looming and no guarantees yet around a long-term left-back solution, Celtic may look to strike now if there’s any indication Robertson is open to an early move.
Soccer Football – UEFA Nations League – Scotland Training – Oriam, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain – September 23, 2022 Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, Greg Taylor and Kieran Tierney during training REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Financially, a move for Robertson would be significant, especially if Liverpool are reluctant to lose him for free next summer. However, the potential draw of returning to his boyhood club, especially alongside Tierney, could offer a serious upgrade to Celtic’s backline.
Robertson’s comments show a player still very much operating at a high level physically and mentally, but his willingness to keep options open has caught the attention. A Celtic return may not be imminent, but it’s no longer out of the question.
The next few months will be key in determining whether the Scotland captain sees his future continuing in England, or if the pull of Paradise proves too strong to resist.
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